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Home , Bagaya Monastery, Burmese pagoda, Pakhangyi Monastery, Taung Kalat

Tour Dossier Hidden Treasures of Classic Tour│18 Days│ Active Pace

This document has been designed to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour. All passengers should read this dossier to assess the physical requirements of the programme and their ability to complete the tour.

Classic Tours Designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures on a fully inclusive excellent value group tour.

Hidden Treasures of Myanmar is an Active Pace tour. This is defined in our brochure as the following: Tours require a good level of fitness, as they are physically more demanding. They may involve hiking, longer days driving, climbing of stairs and in/out of boats will be necessary and some there may be travel to remote areas where tourist facilities are less developed.

Anyone with a good level of fitness should be able to complete this itinerary. Of course, our National Escort/Local Guides always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance, but they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary. Please refer to your Travel Guide for more information.

Tour highlights: On our Hidden Treasures of Myanmar itinerary, you will visit Yangon, , , Inle Lake, Pyay (Prome) and .

 Yangon - The former capital of Myanmar with parks, colonial buildings and the golden Shwedagon  Bagan - The home to over 3,000 temples and Myanmar’s greatest architectural site  Mandalay - Considered to be the cultural centre of Myanmar and home to the world’s longest teak bridge  Inle Lake - Famous for the people who live on and around it, known as the ‘Intha’  Pyay (Prome) - An ancient city known for its archaeological sites  Monywa - Located on the banks of the Chindwin River which serves as a main trade centre between Myanmar and India

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Destination Profile

Myanmar - Is a spiritual country, largely unexplored by tourists until recently. It is known as the ‘Golden Land’ because of the countless number of and temples that dominate the landscape. In Myanmar, 89% of the population is devoutly Buddhist, which is reflected in their gentle and welcoming nature.

Development In Myanmar - Although Myanmar is developing quickly, it still lacks the international standards of civil infrastructure and tourist facilities. Concepts of personal responsibility are also different to those in Australia. Consequently, tourist and public facilities may not uphold the same safety standards as in Australia; for example, you may see a hole in the road without a warning sign or safety barricade. All of our suppliers meet local safety standards as a minimum. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday so we ask that you take extra care, use your common sense, refer to notices and follow advice from you National Escort or Local Guide

Cuisine in Myanmar - Most meals (excluding drinks) are included as indicated from the groups’ arrival until the day of departure. Our schedule of meals is designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout Myanmar.

Seatbelts - Please note that seatbelts are not compulsory by law in Myanmar and therefore the local people largely choose not to wear them. For this reason, some vehicles may not be fitted with seatbelts or they may be hidden underneath protective seat covers. It is recommended that where seatbelts are available customers must use them and remain seated at all times while the vehicle is moving. If you have any concerns, please notify your National Escort or Local Guide.

Traffic in Myanmar - Roads in Myanmar have generally improved over recent years, but traffic and/or weather conditions may extend driving times. Road construction work usually covers an enormous section of road - not just one or two kilometres as you may be used to. For this reason, the timings listed in the sections below are approximations only.

Vehicles - Please be advised that the vehicles in Myanmar are very basic and old as no new vehicles have been brought into the country since a trade embargo was implemented on the country. You may find the seats to be smaller and have less leg room as the vehicles are designed for the smaller build of the Burmese. Wendy Wu Tours sources the best available vehicles; however these may vary from city to city.

Joining Your Tour - The tour is 18 days in duration including international flights. Travellers booked on ‘Land Only’ arrangements should make their own way to the starting point. Join the tour on Day 2 in Yangon and end the tour on Day 17 in Yangon. Please refer to your final itinerary for more specific meeting instructions pertaining to your departure.

Itinerary Changes 1. Our intention is to adhere to the day to day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. 2. Domestic flights are subject to frequent changes. For this reason we have indicated morning, afternoon or evening flights only. Your Local Guide or National Escort will inform you of any schedule changes as soon as they are informed of them.

Flight Delays or Changes to Arrival Times - Due to unforeseen circumstances, flights can be delayed, and therefore connecting flights may be missed. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact our office in Myanmar on +95 (0)9 977 11 5310 (24 hours) to urgently advise your arrival details have changed. Please ensure you have your trip number, tour name (both included in your final documentation) and new arrival details (flight number and arrival time) handy to pass on to our local office in Myanmar. This will ensure your National Escort/Local Guide can be informed of your most up to date information and an arrival transfer will be arranged accordingly. We will endeavor to arrange a transfer as soon as possible however delays may occur.

If we are not advised of late changes and missed connections, Wendy Wu Tours cannot guarantee someone will be able to meet you upon arrival in Myanmar as our local office will have no way of knowing which flight you will be arriving on. Wendy Wu Tours will not be responsible for providing reimbursement of transportation costs from the airport to your hotel in the event that our local office was not advised of changes to arrival times.

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Itinerary – Hidden Treasures of Myanmar

Day 1: Australia to Singapore the hotel. Food and drinks will not be served at this Day Outline meeting; it is simply an opportunity for your group to meet Fly with Singapore Airlines to Singapore for your overnight and learn more about travelling in Myanmar. stay at an airport hotel. In the event of flight delays or changes to arrival times, please see the details above as to Destination Information what to do in this circumstance. Yangon - With a population of over 5 million, Myanmar’s Brisbane and Perth passengers may depart on Day 2 on a former capital possesses a peaceful atmosphere with day flight to Yangon (no overnight stopover in Singapore colonial boulevards and tranquil lakes. This charming city required). thrives by night with bustling streets filled with stalls selling everything from locally made handicrafts to fruit and cigars. Physical Description Upon arrival at Singapore Airport, after proceeding through Day 3: Yangon customs and baggage claim, you will make your own way to Day Outline the Crown Plaza Hotel, located inside terminal 3. Once at After breakfast, you will start your walking tour of Yangon your hotel, check into your room and enjoy the remainder at the Central Post Office, and then stroll down Strand Road of the day at leisure. to the landmark Stand Hotel, before observing the locals going about their daily life on the busy Yangon River at Destination Information Pansodan Jetty. Continue walking up Pansodsan Street Singapore - With a unique tapestry of Chinese, Malay and famous for some of Yangon's most impressive colonial Indian traditions, Singapore allows visitors a number of architecture, before arriving at Mahaboandoola Park where sightseeing and culinary opportunities. you can the .

Day 2: Singapore to Yangon Next visit the National Museum, home to priceless ancient Day Outline artefacts. After lunch, explore the Bogyoke Markets before This morning make you way to the Singapore Airlines watching the sunset at the magnificent counter in the departure hall, where you will check in for located on top of Singuttara Hill, where many locals and your onward flight to Yangon, Myanmar. Please ensure to Buddhists come to worship. be at the counter no less than 2 hours prior to the flight time. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your Physical Description hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure. Tour the city of Yangon. Visit Sule Pagoda for 15 minutes (shoes must be removed) and continue on foot for 1 hour Physical Description through the downtown area. Spend 30 minutes at Bogyoke Transfer to Singapore Airport via an airport shuttle bus and Market. This afternoon visit the sacred Shwedagon Pagoda board your flight to Yangon, Myanmar. (Flight duration (shoes must be removed), involving 2 hours on foot. three hours). You will be met at Yangon airport in the Arrivals hall by your Local Guide and/or National Escort. Destination Information Together with all other group members who may be Strand Road and Pansodan Street - Many fine examples of arriving at a similar time, you will transfer 25 minutes to British colonial architecture dating from the mid 1800’s are your hotel and check into your room or store any luggage if located downtown. Pansodan Street intersects Strand your room is not ready yet. Road, which runs parallel to Yangon River and where Pansodan Jetty is located. This is a great opportunity to There is no sightseeing today. At some point, when the witness a hive of activity along the riverfront. whole group has arrived, a tour introduction will be held in

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Sule Pagoda - Situated in the centre of Yangon, octagonal in Physical Outline shape and standing 44 meters tall. According to legend, Drive six hours back to Yangon, stopping at the central remnants of the pagoda are over 2,500 years old, having market and Shwe San Taw Pagoda, where you will climb been built during the time of the Buddha. approximately 100 steps to the platform to view the town from above. Later, spend 30 minutes at Shwe Myat Mhan National Museum - Housing works of art and historic Pagoda (where shoes must be removed). memorabilia. Here you will learn about the history and tradition of Myanmar. Destination Information Shwe San Taw Pagoda - Located in the centre of Pyay and Bogyoke Markets - A vast covered marketplace selling an said to house relics including four strands of hair and a array of handicrafts, food, jewellery and clothing. tooth from the Buddha. This pagoda has become an important Buddhist pilgrim sight for locals. Shwedagon Pagoda - Located on top of Singuttara Hill, where many locals and Buddhists come to worship. Shwe Myat Mhan Pagoda - Inside the main shrine, a large Shwedagon Pagoda is thought to have been built between sitting Buddha with spectacles presides. Most of the locals the 6th and 10th centuries; however it has been rebuilt believe that if a person offers this Buddha statue their many times. It is here that eight strands of Buddha's hair glasses, it can cure eye aliments. are said to be kept. The pagoda is covered in gold and contains diamonds, rubies and emeralds. Day 6: Yangon to Mandalay Day Outline Day 4: Yangon to Pyay (Prome) After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your Day Outline flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, drive to ‘the City of Today you will drive to Pyay (also known as Prome), Immortality’, . Here you will visit the home of situated along the Irrawaddy River. On arrival visit the several thousand young monks at Mahagandayon ancient city of Sri Ksetra, the former capital of Pyu Kingdom Monastery. Continue to U Bein Bridge built over 200 years and said to be older than Bagan. You will explore these ago and one of the most photographed sights in Myanmar. spectacular ruins by ox cart. Next, visit a traditional hand-woven silk workshop before You will then continue your exploration of the marvellous proceeding to . Continue to Ava, which rural surroundings of the countryside and sights and was the capital of Myanmar before Amarapura. Enjoy a observe the life of the Burmese people in Hmawzar village. horse carriage ride to the wooden Bargayar Monastery, Nanmyint Watch Tower, Maha Aungmye and Bonzan Physical Outline Monastery. Drive six hours to Pyay, stopping for lunch en route. Visit the ancient city of Sri Ksetra travelling by ox cart for Physical Description approximately two hours, hopping on and off. Visit Fly to Mandalay (flight duration 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, Hmawzar village for half an hour on foot and then continue you will drive to Amarapura to visit Mahagandayon to the hotel. Monastery and the U Bein Bridge, spending 1 hour at each. Continue to Bagaya Monastery before driving to Ava (a 40- Destination Information minute drive) and taking a 10 minute short boat ride. Pyay (Prome) - Pyay is located in southern Myanmar, Sightsee here for approximately 2 hours by a horse drawn situated on the east banks of the Irrawaddy River. This carriage (hoping on and off) to visit Nanmyint Watch Tower historic city houses ruins from ancient Py Kingdom and the and Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery. gilded . Please remember to bring insect repellent as dinner this Sri Ksetra - Meaning ‘City of Splendour” in Sanskrit, this evening will be outside. ancient kingdom dating between the 5th to 9th century has remnants of the earliest examples of Buddhist monuments Destination Information in the world. Mandalay - Is the second largest city and the last royal capital of the Burmese Kingdom. Located along the Day 5: Pyay (Prome) to Yangon Irrawaddy River and centred around the Royal Palace, Day Outline Mandalay is within easy distance to former colonial hill Today you will first visit Pyay central markets, home to stations and ancient cities. several ethnic minority populations. Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Shwe San Taw Pagoda. Here, you Mahagandayon Monastery - Founded in 1914 as a place for will be able to enjoy great views of the town and river from monastic study and strict religious discipline. the viewing platform. U Bein Bridge - This teak wood bridge spans 1.2km across Drive back to Yangon stopping to visit the Shwe Myat Mhan the Taung Thaman Lake and is the longest teak bridge in Pagoda, famous for the statue of Buddha wearing a pair of the world. spectacles. Return to your Yangon hotel this afternoon.

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Bagaya Monastery - Built in 1843, this weather worn grand Day 8: Mandalay monastery is built from teak and supported by 267 wooden Day Outline posts. The compound has a superb collection of Buddha After breakfast this morning, you will transfer to the jetty statues and intricate carvings. for a one hour boat ride to on board a local boat. Continue to Hsinbyume Paya and the Mingun Pagoda. After Ava - Ancient capital of the Burmese Kingdom for almost lunch return to Mandalay and enjoy the afternoon free at 400 years. Today, relics and ruins lie amongst green rice leisure. fields and palm trees. Physical Outline Nanmyint Watch Tower - Standing 30 meters high, it is the This morning we will transfer to the jetty and board a boat only masonry building left standing from King ’s to Mingun (45 minutes). Climbing across other boats to Palace. reach our boat may be necessary. You will see the world’s largest bell and the Pagodas of Mingun and Mantara. After Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery - An ochre coloured 1 hour here, you will return to Mandalay by boat. brick monastery built during the in 1818. It is unique as most monasteries from this period were built Destination Information with wood. Mingun - A riverside village home to many unique pagodas and the world's largest ringing bell, weighing over 87 Day 7: Mandalay tonnes! Day Outline Mandalay is considered the epicentre of Myanmar culture Hsinbyume Paya - A stunning all white structure dating and todays sightseeing reflects this. Visit the Mahamuni from 1816 and built in dedication to Princess Hsinbyume, Pagoda, Shewe Inbin Monastery, the Golden Palace the wife of Prince Bagyidaw who died during childbirth. Monastery and . Continue to a traditional Some say the temple reminds them of a wedding cake! handloom silk workshop before finishing the day on . Mingun Pagoda - Constructed under the order of King Bodawpaya. He had grand plans to build the pagoda as high Physical Information as 500ft; however he died during construction so today it At Mahamuni Pagoda, Shewe Inbin and the Golden Palace sits incomplete. If completed, the pagoda would be three Monastery (shoes must be removed). Travel by an open top times the height it is now! vehicle (similar to a ute) to the top of Mandalay Hill. It is an uphill drive on a windy and bumpy road. Here we will enjoy Day 9: Mandalay to Monywa the sunset and magnificent views from the 230m-high Day Outline summit return to the base of the hill by the open top This morning you will head to the town of Monywa, vehicle. situated on the banks of the Chindwin River. Just before reaching Monywa, visit the 20th-century Thanboddhay Destination Information Pagoda before taking a walk through the nearby banyan Mahamuni Pagoda - Enshrining the Mahamuni Buddha - a tree grove Bodhi Tataung where a thousand Buddha images highly revered image in Myanmar. It is covered in thick rest at the feet of the trees. layers of gold leaf applied by male devotes. As a result, this has started to distort its shape. After lunch, you will cross the Chindwin River and travel to the Buddhist cave sites of Hpo Win Taung, where 492 caves Shewe Inbin Monastery - An elegantly carved wooden are built into the side of the limestone cliffs, and Shwe Ba monastery built in 1895 by visiting Chinese Jade merchants. Taung - another remarkable Buddhist cave site. Today it is home to 30 practicing monks. Physical Description Golden Palace (Shwenandaw) Monastery - Once part of Drive 3.5 hours to Monywa. There is easy walking around the royal complex of King Mindon, this building was Thanboddhay Pagoda. Visit Bodhi Taung which stands at dismantled and reassembled outside the palace walls in 129m-high; you can explore inside stairs are available for 1880. As luck would have it this move ensured that it three storeys only. View the nearby reclining Buddha from survived the WWII bombing campaign in Mandalay, where the outside before spending time at Po Win Taung. many other royal buildings perished. Destination Information Kuthodaw Pagoda - Famous for housing the world’s largest Monywa – Located northwest of Mandalay and a former book; Separated into 15 volumes each page is inscribed in trade post between Myanmar and India during WWI as the marble and housed in its own . town was right in the middle of the action. Today, its interesting attractions draw visitors to its town. Mandalay Hill - The highest point in Mandalay and an optimal spot to enjoy the panoramic views of the river, Thanboddhay Pagoda - 845 small surround and rise Shan hills and the city sprawl below. up to the richly decorated central stupa. The pagoda is built reminiscent of similar characteristics of in Java.

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Bodhi Taung Buddha - This is the site of the 2nd largest Today it is considered Bagan’s main religious site rising statue in the world, which is a 423 feet-high statue of from the earth in three separate terraces. Buddha standing behind an impressive reclining Buddha (312 feet). Htilominlo Pagoda - This pagoda built in 1218, marks the spot where King Nantaungmya was chosen to be the crown Po Win Taung - Try to spot all 2500 Buddha images and prince. Today it still has some of the original plaster and admire the murals around the area, which was built carved reliefs on display. between the 14 th -18th century. Day 12: Bagan – Mt Popa Day 10: Monwya to Bagan Day Outline Day Outline Today drive to Mt. Popa and climb to the nearby temple of After breakfast drive to Pakokku, en route you will visit the , set atop an extinct volcano and said to contain old teak wood monastery called Pakhangyi . 37 spirits, also known as 'nats'. After having lunch at a restaurant located near the top of the mountain, descend Visit a lively local market by a traditional trishaw where you and drive back to Bagan where you will board colourful ox can observe the production process of cotton blankets. carts – a local method of transport and visit Gubyaukgyi, After lunch, we will board a local boat for a 2 hour cruise to Manuha and Nanbaya Temples. Bagan passing many tobacco plantations, traditional villages and pagodas along the river. Physical Description Travel approximately two hours (68km) to Mt. Popa, Upon reaching the shores of Bagan, you will be transferred stopping after one hour at a palm sugar production village. to your hotel. Mt. Popa has an altitude of 2,418 feet and there are 777 steps to reach Taung Kalat, the temple located at the top. Physical Description The steps are tiled and under cover with railings to hold Drive for 2.5 hours to Pakkoku and travel by boat for 2 onto if necessary; it will take 1.5 hours of walking to the top hours to Bagan. The boats can take up to 10 passengers and and back. Please hold on to your belongings as there are staff will assist you with boarding. many monkeys here. After lunch, we will drive back to Bagan for easy sightseeing using ox and cart whilst visiting Destination Information Manuha, Nanpaya, and Gubyaukgyi temples. Pakhangyi Kyaung Monastery - This was once the largest monastery in Myanmar and dates back to 1868 during the Destination Information reign of King Mindon. It is a weathered but beautiful ornate Mt Popa - Formed by a volcano almost 250,000 years ago example of teak buildings from this period. and a revered spiritual residence of the 37 ‘nats,’ worshipped in Myanmar in unison with . There Bagan - It is believed as many as 13,000 temples and stupas are a number of statues and shrines that represent these once stood in the area around Bagan; however, invasions, spirits located along the mountain. Once you reach the top, war and natural disasters have reduced most of these to the temple of Taung Kalat affords sweeping views of rubble. Despite this, Bagan is home to more than 2,200 Myingyan Plain below. standing ancient temples and is Myanmar's greatest architectural site. Gubyaukgyi - The Gubyaukgyi Temple can only be viewed by torchlight and photos are not allowed due to the well Day 11: Bagan preserved frescoes inside. Dating from 1113 it was built to Day Outline honour King Kyanzittha upon his death. This morning, you will visit Nyaung U Market before visiting the most important pagoda in Bagan, - Named after the Mon King Manuha, who before exploring the with four standing was held captive here after his defeat by King Anawrahta. Buddha images and the 46m-high Htilominlo Pagoda. After Built in 1067, it is considered one of the oldest temples in lunch you will take a short drive through the scenic Bagan. Explore the interior which includes large seated countryside to Myinkaba Village. Here, we will take some Buddha images standing 10 to 14 meters high and nestled time to experience local village life. Later this afternoon in confined spaces. enjoy the sunset from the top of a temple. Nanbaya Temple - A unique sandstone monument with Physical Description interiors displaying fine sculptured examples of three faced Wander through Nyaung U Market for 1 hour. Visit Brahma figures, lotus flowers and decorative windows. Htilominlo Pagoda and the Shwezigon Pagoda for 1 hour each (shoes must be removed). Continue to Minnathu Day 13: Bagan to Heho to Pindaya Village for 1 hour of easy walking to experience traditional Day Outline Burmese living. This morning board your flight to Heho. Upon arrival you will drive to Pindaya and visit the Shwe U Min Caves, Destination Information located high on a limestone ridge. Afterwards, enjoy a visit Shwezigon Pagoda - This beautiful pagoda was built by King to a Shan umbrella and mulberry paper production business Anawrahta in the 11th century to enshrine one of the four to watch how these delicate items are made. Upon arrival replicas of the Buddha's tooth found in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant

at your hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free at your witness one of the most amazing historical sites on Inle leisure. Lake, where hundreds of small stupas lay overgrown by moss and vegetation. Continue on foot to a nearby village Physical Description where several crops are grown using traditional farming Fly to Heho (flight duration 35 minutes) and drive 2 ½ hours methods. (64km) to Pindaya. Spend 2-3 hours at the Shwe U Min Caves and walking through the town. After visiting a home- Travel back to your hotel enjoying the beautiful scenery as run umbrella and mulberry paper production business, well as local life along the way. check into your hotel. Physical Destination Destination Information Travel by boat for one hour to the Indein Pagoda complex. Pindaya - A small town located in the west of the Shan Spend approximately 1-2 hours on foot here exploring the State. It is most famous for its limestone caves. area before returning by boat to your hotel. Climbing in/out of boats will be necessary today. Shwe U Min Caves - These winding caves are a Buddhist pilgrimage site that houses thousands of Buddha images. Destination Information All in different shapes and sizes, they have been blessed for Indein Pagoda Complex - One of the amazing historical worship and left here over the centuries. sites in Inle Lake, where hundreds of small stupas decorated with sculptures of mythological animals and Day 14: Pindaya to Inle Lake beings lay overgrown by moss and vegetation Day Outline This morning we will drive to Nyaung Shwe where Inle Lake Day 16: Inle Lake to Yangon is situated. The lake is most famous for the extraordinary Day Outline lives of the people who live on and around it, known as the This morning transfer to Heho airport for your flight to 'Intha'. Yangon. Upon arrival, you will visit Gaba Aye Pagoda. After lunch, continue to visit and Nanthida Today visit a local market (on market days only) and see the Jetty to see the daily life of the local people. leg rowers, floating gardens, local methods of fishing, village life and magnificent scenery. Visit the Phaungdaw This evening wander around Chinatown and the night Oo Pagoda and the Nga Phe Monastery. Later visit the market before having your farewell dinner. weaving village of Inpawkhon before proceeding to your hotel. Physically Description Early this morning you will depart Inle Lake by boat for 1 Physical Description hour then drive for 1 hour (30km) to Heho airport for your Drive three hours to Nyaung Shwe and travel by a flight to Yangon (flight duration 2 hours). Visit Gaba Aye motorised wooden boat to your hotel located near Inle Pagoda (shoes must be removed), Botataung Pagoda and Lake. After lunch at the hotel, we will board a boat to Nanthida Jetty, spending half an hour at each site. This explore the floating markets and gardens for approximately evening walk through Chinatown and the night market. You three hours. Climbing in/out of boats will be necessary will spend approximately 30 minutes here before today. continuing to dinner.

Destination Information Destination Information Inle Lake - Located 1,328m above sea level and Gaba Aye Pagoda - Built between 1954- 1956, the ambition approximately 22km long and 11km wide, this water for building this pagoda was to encapsulate the idea of paradise is inhabited by over 200 villages constructed on world peace. stilts and is a fascinating area to witness locals and their daily lives. Botataung Pagoda - Close to Yangon River, this restored Pagoda is unique as it is hollow inside allowing visitors the Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda - One of the most sacred shrines in opportunity to walk through and admire different relics and Myanmar dating back to the 18th Century. Inside the tiered artefacts on display. pagoda, devotees await an opportunity to place gold leaf on one of four ancient Buddha statues housed here. Chinatown - Located in downtown Yangon since the 1850’s, stroll through the myriad of street vendors and enjoy the Nga Phe Monastery - A beautiful collection of Buddha sights, sounds and smells of this bustling market. images depicted in the Shan, Tibetan, Bagan and styles are displayed inside the expansive wooden Day 17: Depart Yangon meditation hall. Day Outline Any time before your flight is free is at your leisure today. Day 15: Inle Lake You will be transferred from the hotel to Yangon Airport for Day Outline your international flight to Australia. This morning transfer by boat to the western shore of the lake to the hidden Indein Pagoda complex. Here we will

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Physical Description Day 18: Arrive Australia Today you will be transferred from your hotel to the Airport Day Outline (25 minute drive) according to the departure of your Arrive home today. international flight.

Tour Profile

Visa Requirements - Entry visas are required by all visitors to Myanmar and Wendy Wu Tours Visa Department can assist you with the process of obtaining a visa. We will supply you with all paperwork and submit the visa application on your behalf. Visas for Myanmar are valid for 90 days from the date of issue and allow you to stay in the country for up to 28 Days. Please be advised that your passport must have at least 6-months validity left on it when you arrive back into Australia.

Visa application forms and all relevant documentation are due in our office 90 days prior to departure; if received after this, urgent visa processing fees will apply. Also, please note we do not accept passports and visa applications within 70 days prior to departure. Passports will be returned with your Final Documentation 2-3 weeks prior to your group tour’s scheduled departure. If you require your passport to be returned earlier, a $15 courier fee will apply.

Insurance - We strongly encourage all travellers to take a copy of their travel insurance documents (especially relevant international contact numbers) with them while on tour. We advise that you check the inclusions and procedures for lodging claims prior to your departure. These documents should be stored separately from the originals.

Accommodation - All accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities. Hotels are generally rated as local 3-3½star standard, but do please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between Australia and Myanmar.

Exchanging Cash – The Central Bank of Myanmar has withdrawn all foreign currency exchange license for businesses including Hotels, Restaurants, Airlines and Souvenir Shops. Starting from 01 November 2015, institutions such as the ones named will not be allowed to accept payments in US dollars. Tourist can bring US-Dollars and change it into local Kyats or withdraw local currency at any ATM with their credit card.

US Dollars are the preferred currency in Myanmar. ATM’s are limited in Myanmar, so we suggest that you bring enough US Dollars in cash to last the duration of your stay. It is highly recommended that extra care and attention is paid when exchanging money when travelling outside major cities in Myanmar. For your convenience, please ensure that US Dollars should be from the new series from the year 2003 onwards and in good condition to avoid any difficulties exchange money during your trip. Old series notes can be difficult to exchange.

We suggest exchanging your money before travelling to remote areas and smaller towns, as exchange facilities can be limited. Your National Escort will remind you to do this before departure.

Personal Expenses - You will need to take some extra money to cover drinks, laundry and souvenirs, plus any additional sightseeing that may be offered to you. Based on the advice of previous customers an approximate amount of AUD$250 should be sufficient; (Please note US dollars are the preferred currency to be used in Myanmar); however for those that cannot resist a bargain, consider allocating a higher amount.

Transport: Roads - Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary.

Climbing Steps - Some sightseeing involves climbing quite a number of steps. This means you sometimes need to walk from the bus park to the entrance, and/or need to climb some steps inside. People with knee or hip injuries, who have poor balance or are otherwise unable to complete these activities independently should consider the suitability of this itinerary carefully. Consider Cultural Differences – Myanmar is predominantly Buddhist; however, it is a nation with many cultures and histories. Please be considerate of this, the local beliefs and customs and dress with consideration.

Group Size - In most cases, the group will operate with a minimum of 10 participants accompanied by a National Escort. However, if the group is operating with less than 10 passengers, you will be accompanied by expert Local Guides in each of the main cities.

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Climate - You will find a complete packing list and a helpful climate chart in the ‘Suggested Packing List’, which is included in the pre-departure information link sent within your deposit documentation. Seasonal weather patterns can be quite unpredictable. Up to the minute information on worldwide weather can be found on www.weather.com.

Vaccinations and Your Health - We recommend that you contact either your GP or Travelvax (1300 360 164) for advice on vaccinations and travel health. Travelvax has a comprehensive website that you may also find useful www.travelvax.com.au.

Before You Leave - We strongly recommend registering your travel plans with http://smartraveller.gov.au as in the event of an emergency, Australian Consular assistance will be more readily available. You can also access the Australian Government’s travel advisory service for up to date information about your destination on the same website.

After your booking - Once you have booked with Wendy Wu Tours, you will receive a confirmation invoice followed by deposit documentation, which includes a visa application form (if applicable), and a help sheet. Your final documentation pack will be sent to you approximately 2 weeks prior to departure, and will include a travel wallet, lanyard, a travel guide (which includes a suggested packing list) and phrase book, along with your final itinerary and international e-tickets.

Luggage - All clients are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 5kg. It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage may be confiscated.

Tipping - Tipping is a firm and expected element in the tourism industry. A nominated tipping amount is included in all group tour pricing, however is not collected in your final payment received by Wendy Wu Tours. This is so that it can be paid directly to your National Escort who will then distribute the tips among your main service providers – guides and drivers– on your behalf. Any other tipping, such as tips for bathroom attendants, hotel porters taking luggage to your room or river guides is at your discretion based on satisfaction of services received, as are gratuities for additional requested special services.

Updated: 15 August 16

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